NF4Ultra vs. 6150???

[GTaudiophile]

So for a non-overclocker like me, what are the disadvantages of going with a 6150 board versus NF4Ultra? Does the former lack SATA II? What else?

 

[renethx]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Does the former lack SATA II?

No. GeForce 6150 + nForce4 430 supports SATAII. The performance of GeForce 6150 is strictly equivalent to (or better than) NF4 Ultra.

GeForce 6150 is better in:

• Onboard GPU (VGA + DVI + TV Encoder)
• HD Audio
• Passive cooling
• Better stablility and reliability than NF4
• mATX

GeForce 6150 is weak in:

• 8 USB connectors (vs 10 USB connectors in NF4)
• 3 PCI/PCI-e x 1 slots (vs. 6 in max in NF4)

Some manufacturers deliberately retricted overclockability (ASUS, MSI). This does not mean that GeForce 6150 is inferior to NF4 in overclocking, in fact Foxconn GeForce 6150 board is excellent in this point. A good thread on MSI GeForce 6150 board is NV GeForce 6150 Board Shootout.

 

[GTaudiophile]

So, again, what does the 615 lack by comparison?

I don't OC.
I want to install an X2 4400+, 7800GT, 2GB of CL2 RAM, and an SB X-Fi Xtrememusic. That's it. And I like the idea of a passively-cooled MB.

 

[GTaudiophile]

renethx: I just noticed you edited your post. Thanks for the info.

I personally see no reason not to go with a 6150 then...think it can handle an X2 4400+ and 7800GT videocard?

 

[renethx]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
think it can handle an X2 4400+ and 7800GT videocard?

No problem.

 

[GTaudiophile]

So I think I am going to decide between the ABIT AN8-ULTRA and the MSI K8NGM-FID. I think I would go ABIT if they weren't about to go bust!

 

[renethx]

AN8 Ultra is already hard to find in retail stores. I used to use two AN8 Ultra boards, but switched to MSI GeForce 6150 because the system locked up constantly with X2 chip in both boards. Perhaps I drew bad boards.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Do any of the 6150 boards come with OPTICAL S/PDIF out?

 

[renethx]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Do any of the 6150 boards come with OPTICAL S/PDIF out?

ASUS: Yes. But you have to buy a SPDIF bracket.
MSI: Yes. But you have to buy a SPDIF bracket.
Foxconn: Yes. But see this thread.

Avoid the Gigabit board as it is a lemon.

 

[GTaudiophile]

And could I install this MSI board into an ATX case like the Antec P150?

 

[renethx]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
And could I install this MSI board into an ATX case like the Antec P150?

No problem. You may need to change the position of a few standoffs, though. My case is Thermaltake Tsunami Dream mid tower case.

 

[A554SS1N]

Not sure about 6150, but I know that 6100 doesn't allow you to change voltage of CPU, which for a non-overclocker may still be important if you want to undervolt for cooler/quieter experience.

 

[renethx]

Originally posted by: A554SS1N
Not sure about 6150, but I know that 6100 doesn't allow you to change voltage of CPU, which for a non-overclocker may still be important if you want to undervolt for cooler/quieter experience.

As for 6150, Cool'n'Quiet works perfectly (means undervolt at idle time) even if CPU Voltage is fixed in BIOS.

 

[gaidin123]

Originally posted by: renethx
As for 6150, Cool'n'Quiet works perfectly (means undervolt at idle time) even if CPU Voltage is fixed in BIOS.

This works for sure with the Asus a8n-vm csm as long as you aren't using the initial BIOS release. From the other thread (or the hardocp threads) I believe the MSI had broken CnQ with its initial BIOS release but that has been fixed as well.

Gaidin

Edit: If AMD ever gets me my RMA'd CPU I'd be able to test this on the MSI that's been sitting here for a couple weeks </grumble>